Queen Camilla has risen to become one of the most popular figures in the British Royal Family—a statement that would have seemed improbable decades ago. Her journey to the throne has been long, complex, and at times, controversial, especially considering her relationship with King Charles during his marriage to Princess Diana. But today, Camilla stands as a respected and integral part of the monarchy.
Born Camilla Shand on July 17, 1947, Camilla came from a wealthy and prominent family with deep ties to British aristocracy. Her family’s lineage includes notable figures like Alice Keppel, a former mistress of King Edward VII, and renowned builder Thomas Cubitt. Growing up, Camilla lived a privileged life, splitting time between her family’s homes in East Sussex and South Kensington.
Despite her elite upbringing, Camilla’s childhood was simple and filled with joy. In an interview, she described her early years as “idyllic,” reminiscing about riding ponies to school and playing in the countryside with her siblings, Annabel and Mark. Camilla’s parents, Bruce and Rosalind Shand, were supportive and loving—unusual for their class and time, according to The Guardian. Her mother, in particular, taught her valuable lessons in social etiquette, including the art of small talk, which would later serve her well in royal life.
As a young woman, Camilla attended Queen’s Gate School in London, where she was known for her confidence and charm. She later studied at the prestigious Mon Fertile finishing school in Switzerland and the Institut Britannique in Paris. Upon returning to London, she worked as a secretary in several firms and briefly as a receptionist at the interior design company Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, though she was fired for arriving late after a night out.
Camilla’s first significant relationship was with Andrew Parker Bowles, a British Army officer. The couple married in 1973, but just a year earlier, Camilla had met then-Prince Charles at a polo match. Introduced by a mutual friend, their connection was instant. They dated briefly, but their romance ended when Charles left to serve in the Royal Navy. By the time he returned, Camilla was engaged to Andrew. Despite this, she and Charles remained close friends, even after Charles married Princess Diana in 1981.
The affair between Charles and Camilla reportedly began in 1986, while Charles was still married to Diana. The public learned of the affair in the early 1990s, and it quickly became a scandal, with Camilla being vilified by the press. One of the most infamous moments came in 1989 when the private conversation between Charles and Camilla, later dubbed “Tampongate,” was leaked to the media, confirming their relationship. Camilla endured harsh public scrutiny and was portrayed as the villain in the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage.
In 1992, Charles and Diana separated, finalizing their divorce in 1996. Diana’s tragic death in 1997 only intensified public resentment toward Camilla, but over time, perceptions began to shift. Charles and Camilla made their relationship public in the early 2000s, and they married in a civil ceremony in 2005. Since then, Camilla has slowly won over the British public with her dedication to charitable work and her supportive role as Charles’ partner.
Though Camilla once feared public appearances and struggled with speeches, she has grown more confident in her role over the years. She has taken on numerous responsibilities, including advocating for causes like literacy, animal welfare, and domestic violence awareness. Her ability to connect with people has made her increasingly popular, even with those who once viewed her with skepticism.
Despite the challenges she faced, Camilla’s resilience and steady presence have endeared her to many. As queen consort, she continues to support King Charles and the monarchy, embodying the grace and strength required of her position. Today, she is praised for her sense of duty, and many regard her as a symbol of how personal growth and public perception can change over time.
In the years since their marriage, Camilla has become a key figure in the Royal Family. She and King Charles have been praised for their modern approach to royal duties, and she has gained widespread respect for her commitment to service. As they prepare for their first major overseas tour to Australia and Samoa, Camilla will likely be greeted with the warmth and admiration she now receives in the UK.